Trending Middle East

Trump intervenes to halt Lebanon attacks, Iraq cracks down on corruption and UAE approves weight-loss pill

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump says Hezbollah and Israel have agreed to stop attacking each other after efforts by Washington to prevent a major Israeli escalation in Beirut.

We also look at growing uncertainty around US-Iran diplomacy after Tehran reportedly suspended indirect talks because of Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

In Iraq, authorities arrest Deputy Oil Minister Adnan Al Jumaili as Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi launches an anti-corruption body and expands investigations into public sector spending.

In the UAE, a national initiative called Naseej aims to reduce the number of clothes going to waste and promote a circular economy. Officials estimate the country generates about 220,000 tonnes of textile waste each year.

And the Emirates also approves the pill form of weight-loss drug Wegovy, expanding treatment options for obesity and related health conditions.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Missiles over Kuwait, US-Iran strikes continue and some UAE rules change

In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the Gulf faces renewed security tensions after Kuwait’s air defences intercept missile and drone threats, forcing flight diversions.

We also look at fresh military exchanges around the Strait of Hormuz, where the US says it carried out self-defence strikes on Iranian sites and Tehran claims it responded by attacking a facility linked to American operations.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says troops are moving deeper into Lebanese territory, while Israeli forces report their deepest ground advance in 26 years despite an existing ceasefire.

The US also puts forward a new proposal aimed at reducing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, with separate talks held with leaders in Beirut and Jerusalem.
And in the UAE, new laws come into force affecting salary payments, the legal age of adulthood, road tolls and parking fees.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

US and Iran reach tentative deal, Lebanon and Israel hold talks and Eid attacks grip Gaza

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, a tentative agreement has been reached in negotiations between the US and Iran, but it still requires the approval of President Donald Trump.

A fourth round of talks between Israel and Lebanon is to take place today at the Pentagon. The disarmament of Hezbollah is expected to be the focus of the discussions.

In Gaza, Israeli strikes across the enclave mean the Eid Al Adha holiday has been marred by fear and bloodshed.

Former Yemeni president Abdrabu Mansur Hadi, who was forced into exile after the civil war began, has died at the age of 80.

And a senior Emirati official says the UAE’s first dedicated Arabic language law aims to strengthen national identity.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Kuwait responds to missile attacks, US shoots down Iranian drones and flood warnings in Syria and Iraq

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Kuwait said its air defences responded to missile and drone attacks on Thursday morning. It came after US forces carried out new strikes on Iranian drones.

The Israeli military ordered the mass displacement of all of southern Lebanon, telling residents to move north of the Zahrani River.

Iraqi cleric Moqtada Al Sadr said his armed faction, Saraya Al Salam, would integrate into state forces, while Baghdad faces growing pressure to bring other armed groups into its ranks.

Authorities in Syria and Iraq have issued evacuation orders along the Euphrates River amid fears of major flooding.

And the UAE dirham symbol is currently under review to be added to computer and smartphone keyboards.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

UN condemns Barakah attack, Israel's invasion in Lebanon and Assad-era chemical weapons found

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, the UN Security Council has condemned the drone strike on the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant, calling it a flagrant violation of international law.

In Lebanon, Israeli troops have deepened their invasion, advancing beyond the so-called "yellow line” marking their occupied territory.

As talks between Tehran and Washington progress, the fate of 24 billion dollars in frozen Iranian funds has become a key sticking point for a possible peace deal.

In a breakthrough discovery, the Syrian government says it has found remnants of Bashar Al Assad’s chemical weapons programme, including materials and munitions linked to past gas attacks.

And a new report has found that the UAE’s efforts to reduce obesity could boost national productivity by $51 billion.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

US launches 'self-defence' strikes, Iran set to restore internet and UAE hotels predict staycation surge

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, US forces have carried out what a Central Command spokesman described as self-defence strikes in southern Iran.

Israel’s military says it has conducted a wave of attacks across Lebanon, despite a ceasefire that has been in place since April.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the restoration of international internet access after months of restrictions across the country, although it is unclear when services will resume.

More than 1.5 million Muslims have gathered in Makkah for the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, with increased security measures put in place by Saudi authorities.

In the UAE, hotels are preparing for a surge in staycation bookings over the Eid Al Adha holiday, as the regional war continues to disrupt travel.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

US-Iran talks make progress, Syria set for first parliament meeting and UAE delivers Eid aid to Gaza

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, US President Donald Trump tells negotiators to "take their time" as a deal between America and Iran moves closer.

In Bahrain, the High Criminal Court has sentenced nine people to life in prison for collaborating with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

At least 16 people have been killed in a bomb blast on a railway track in Quetta, Pakistan. The explosion on Sunday is the latest in a series ⁠of attacks in Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan.

Syria’s parliament is set to meet for the first time since the downfall of former president Bashar Al Assad, after elections were held in areas the government recently regained from Kurdish-led fighters.

The UAE has delivered about 930 tonnes of aid to families in Gaza for Eid Al Adha, including essential supplies, food and clothing.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Mediators prepare for US-Iran talks, energy shortages grip Tehran and Dubai launches Dh1.5bn relief package

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, mediators led by Pakistan are working to narrow differences between Iran and the US before possible direct talks resume next week.

Iran could cut power to government offices as the prolonged conflict causes energy shortages.

In Helsinki, Finnish President Alexander Stubb proposes a security framework for the Middle East after the conflict that brings together rivals including Israel and Iran.

Also in the Finnish capital, the UN’s envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, says it is time for the country to move from military rule to a civilian government.

In the UAE, Dubai announces a Dh1.5 billion ($400 million) incentive package to support business and tourism hit by the Iran war.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Iran studies US proposal, GCC trade deal with UK and prisoners pardoned for Eid

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, Tehran receives Washington’s latest proposal to end the war and is reviewing its terms, Iranian media has reported.

Iraq announces a new committee in co-ordination with the UAE and Saudi Arabia to investigate recent drone attacks originating from its territory.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir faced backlash from his own government after taunting detained activists from an intercepted Gaza-bound flotilla.

The GCC has struck a multibillion-dollar free-trade agreement with Britain, in a move that is expected to boost investment and help UK firms expand in Gulf markets.

And in the UAE, President Sheikh Mohamed has ordered the release of 956 prisoners ahead of Eid Al Adha.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Barakah attack dubbed 'red line', US Senate advances resolution to end Iran war and Ebola travel bans begin

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, The UAE tells a UN Security Council meeting that an attack on its Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a "red line" that constitutes a dangerous escalation.

In Washington, the US Senate has advanced a war powers resolution on Iran that would require President Donald Trump to obtain congressional authorisation to resume the military campaign beyond 60 days.

Bahrain and Jordan have imposed 30-day travel bans on visitors from central African countries due to the Ebola outbreak.

A car bomb that exploded outside a Defence Ministry building in central Damascus on Tuesday has killed one soldier and wounded several people.

In the UAE, a Dh1 billion International Space Co-operation Programme was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, to boost the country’s role in the global space sector.

Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.